Adjustable Table

ABSTRACT

An adjustable table having a table top having a first dimension and a second dimension, the second dimension being longer than the first dimension is described. At least four legs extending from the table top to a supporting surface are provided. A backing member extends substantially vertically from the table top along one of the first dimension or the second dimension. First and second cross members each extend between and are coupled to two of the legs. A transverse member is provided between the first cross member and the second member and a container extends along the transverse member. The container includes a plurality of weighted compartments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority toU.S. Application Ser. No. 61/220,627 filed on Jun. 26, 2009, titledADJUSTABLE TABLE which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tables. In particular the presentinvention relates to adjustable height tables. Often, only a small areais offered by decks and patios attached to multi-unit dwellings. Many ofthese decks and patios are not large enough in area to allow for acomfortable arrangement of a conventional round table and chairs. Also,even a deck or patio of a larger area often lacks a sufficient amount oftable surface for the various activities of the given space, e.g., nearor alongside the outdoor grill. Accordingly, there is a need for a tablethat is compatible with the often small decks and patios associated withmulti-unit dwellings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the invention unit being used withina standard deck setting.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing, showing a view of the bottom side ofthe table frame highlighting the relationships between the detachablebacking members, involved brackets, and the table frame.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing, showing the functionality of the partswithin the backing member bracket(s) and receiving bracket(s).

FIG. 4 is a side view of the table frame, showing the manner in whichthe tile(s) are se in the table frame.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the side board 43 in relation toadjustable legs 40 and base member 50.

FIG. 6 is a perspective of view of the side board 41 in relation toadjustable legs 40 and base member 35.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of the underside of the invention unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the primary container 60.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention unit being used against arailing in “bar mode”.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention unit being used against arailing in “table mode”.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the invention unit being used in thecenter of a given patio or deck floor.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of two invention units being usedmodularly, against a railing in “table mode”.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two invention units being usedmodularly, against a railing in “bar mode.”

SUMMARY

Some embodiments relate to a table having a table top having a firstdimension and a second dimension, the second dimension being longer thanthe first dimension. At least four legs extending from the table top toa supporting surface are provided. A backing member extendssubstantially vertically from the table top along one of the firstdimension or the second dimension. First and second cross members eachextend between and are coupled to two of the legs. The second crossmember extends generally parallel to the first cross member. Atransverse member is provided between the first cross member and thesecond member. A primary container extends along the transverse memberand proximate to the supporting surface. The container includes aplurality of weighted compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention include table that is rectangular inshape; this allows more space for the seating around it to bemaneuvered. The table can be used for cooking and serving food, dining,entertainment, or leisure. The table can be accompanied by chairs orstools, because the legs are adjustable in height. The table isfreestanding; it can be positioned in an interior area of a deck orpatio, or along the perimeter of the space, for example, along therailing when the table is used with backing members. The table isdesigned so it can be used as a single unit, or multiple units can beused together in a modular fashion. Both, the single unit and multipleunits can be used in a variety of arrangements. The bottom of each setof legs may be connected and stabilized by a base member. These two basemembers each have two feet that depending on the manner in which thetable is being used, can be extended to give the table a wider base.Connected between these base members for added stability is a crossmember support, and a weighted container to help anchor the table.

Referring to FIG. 1 is the invention 11, which is shown being used on atypical deck or patio, with railing 99, balusters 98 and floor 97. Thetable frame 10 is comprised of a front board 42, back board 44, sideboard 41, and side board 43. Shown resting within this frame are tiles45. The table frame is shown being used with the detachable backingmembers 20 and 30. Note the top edges of the backing members are flushwith the top edge of the railing 99. The height of the table frames 10is to be set below the height of the rail, in use with the detachablebacking members 20 and/or 30, when used next to such a structure.Extending downwards from the table frame 10 are (4) height adjustablelegs 40. The bottoms of these height adjustable legs 40 are connected tobase members 50 and 35. Resting between base members 50 and 35 is theprimary container 60.

Depicted in FIG. 2 are the detachable backing members 20 and 30.Detachable backing member 20 is shown with backing member bracket 22. Onthe bottom of side board 41 is a receiving bracket 55 for the backingmember bracket 22. Detachable backing member 20 with backing memberbracket 22 can also be inserted and attached to receiving bracket 65,which is under side board 43. Detachable backing member 30 has twoattached backing member brackets 24 and 26, which can be inserted inreceiving brackets 75 and 85 respectively. Receiving brackets 75 and 85are attached on the bottom of the back board 44. Also, shown in thedrawing is the tile support board 46, and tiles 45. The tiles 45 restbetween the front board 42 and back board 44, and on the top edge of thetile support board 46.

FIG. 3 is a detail of backing member brackets 22, 24, and 26, receivingbrackets 55, 65, 75, and 85. Each of these backing member brackets 22,24, and 26 have a vertical section 51 that is mounted to the back ofedge of the respective backing member, by drilling screws through holes90. The vertical section 51 is connected to the horizontal section 53,which has at its terminus, housing 76, for the spring loaded button 54.The housing 76 is comprised of a top edge 96, bottom edge 95, and (4)side edges 91. A hole 79 is in the bottom edge 95. Shown extendingthrough the hole 79 is the spring loaded button 54. The spring loadedbutton 54 is attached to a backing 57, which rests against the interiorface of the bottom edge 95, keeping the spring loaded button 54 in placewithin the hole 79, when the spring is not being compressed. The spring69, rests between the interior faces of button 54 and top edge 96.

The exterior dimensions of the housing 76 of backing member brackets 22,24, and 26 allow it to fit firmly within the interior faces of thereceiving brackets 55, 65, 75, and 85. The receiving brackets 55. 65.75. and 85 have flanges 61 and 63 with holes 89 for mounting. Side edges62 and 64 are connected to a bottom edge 66. Bottom edge 66 has a hole77. The diameter of hole 77 allows for the spring loaded bracket 54 tofit firmly inside of it.

The housing 76 of backing member brackets 22, 24, and 26 can be insertedinto the respective receiving bracket 55 or 65, 75 and 85 when thespring loaded button is compressed. As the spring loaded button 54crosses hole 77 in the respective receiving bracket, the springdecompresses, locking the brackets. The backing member bracket(s) 22,24, and 26 can be released from their respective receiving brackets 55or 65, 75 and 85 by compressing the spring loaded button 54 andsimultaneously pulling the backing member bracket(s) away from thereceiving bracket(s).

FIG. 4 is a detail of the table frame 10, shown is front board 42, backboard 44, side board 41, and tile support board 46. The front board 42,has on it's inside vertical edge a tile slot 23 and tile slot pin(s) 21.The back board 44 has a tile slot 25. Tile slots 23 and 25 along withthe tile pin(s) 21 hold the tile(s) 45 in place within the table frame10. To insert the tile(s) 45 into the table frame 10 the tile slotpin(s) 21 are removed, one edge of the tile 45 is inserted into tileslot 23 until the opposite edge of the tile 45 clears the insidevertical edge of back board 44. Then, the tile 45 can be slid to theback vertical edge of tile slot 25. This allows the tile slot pin(s) 21to be put back in place, and the tile 45 is firmly positioned within thetable frame 10. This is to be repeated until all the tiles 45 are inplace in the table frame 10.

FIG. 5 shows the main components of the adjustable leg(s) 40 and basemember 50. The top of adjustable leg(s) 40 are connected to the bottomedges of the side board 43. The top section(s) 47 of adjustable leg(s)40, house the interior leg section(s) 17. The bottom portion of interiorleg section(s) 17 houses a spring loaded button(s) 88 which extendsthrough the adjustment hole(s) 86, when it is decompressed. The interiorleg section(s) 17 slides freely inside the exterior leg section(s) 27,when the spring loaded button(s) 88 is compressed. When the springloaded button(s) 88 pass the adjustment holes 86, the spring loadedbutton(s) 88 decompress, locking the interior leg section(s) 17 with theexterior leg section(s) 27, locking the table height in place. To unlockthe set position the spring loaded button(s) 88 can be compressed toallow the interior leg section(s) 17 to once again move freely withinthe exterior leg section(s) 27.

Attached to the bottom of exterior leg section(s) 27 is base member 50.The base member 50 houses retractable base sections 28 and 38, whichslide freely inside the base member 50 when the spring loaded buttons 68are compressed. When the spring loaded buttons 68 pass the adjustmenthole(s) 37, the button(s) 68 decompress, locking the retractable basesections 28 and 38 into the desired position with the base member 50.The retractable base section 28 is shown extended, and the retractablebase section 38 is shown in its original position. To unlock theposition of the retractable base sections 28 and 38 the spring loadedbuttons 68 can be compressed and the retractable base sections can slideinto the alternate positions. Each retractable base section 28 and 38has a foot 18 attached to the bottom edge of the exterior terminus.

FIG. 6 shows the main components of the adjustable leg(s) 40 and basemember 35. The top of adjustable leg(s) 40 are connected to the bottomedges of the side board 41. The top section(s) 47 of adjustable leg(s)40, house the interior leg section(s) 17. The bottom portion of interiorleg section(s) 17 houses a spring loaded button(s) 88 which extendsthrough the adjustment hole(s) 86, when it is decompressed. The interiorleg section(s) 17 slides freely inside the exterior leg section(s) 27,when the spring loaded button(s) 88 is compressed. When the springloaded button(s) 88 pass the adjustment holes 86, the spring loadedbutton(s) 88 decompress, locking the interior leg section(s) 17 with theexterior leg section(s) 27, locking the table height in place. To unlockthe set position the spring loaded button(s) 88 can be compressed toallow the interior leg section(s) 17 to once again move freely withinthe exterior leg section(s) 27.

Attached to the bottom of exterior leg section(s) 27 is base member 35.The base member 35 houses retractable base sections 19 and 29, whichslide freely inside the base member 35 when the spring loaded buttons 68are compressed. When the spring loaded buttons 68 pass the adjustmenthole(s) 37, the button(s) 68 decompress, locking the retractable basesections 19 and 29 into the desired position with the base member 35.The retractable base section 19 is shown extended, and the retractablebase section 29 is shown in its original position. To unlock theposition of the retractable base sections 19 and 29 the spring loadedbuttons 68 can be compressed and the retractable base sections can slideinto the alternate positions. Each retractable base section 19 and 29has a foot 18 attached to the bottom edge of the exterior terminus.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the underside of the primary container60, which is connected to the cross member support 48. The cross membersupport 48 extends between the base members 35 and 50. Also, shown isthe relation of the adjustable leg(s) 40 with the bottom sides of sideboards 41 and 43, of the table frame 10. Each of the adjustable leg(s)40 is set back from the bottom corners of side boards 41 and 43. Thisallows the outside edges of the feet 18, not to extend past the outsideedges of the table frame 10 when the retractable base sections 19, 29,28, and 38 are in their original positions. So, when two or moreinvention units are being used modularly, the units can be positionedflush against one another.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the top of the primary container 60. Theprimary container 60 is a rectangular shaped box, with sides 31 and 73,front board 32, back board 34, bottom board 39, and hinged lid 87. Theprimary container 60 houses weighted containers 33. These weightedcontainers 33 are plastic, and when filled with water, sand etc. givethe unit added stability.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention unit 11 being used in “barmode” against the railing 99, on the surface 97, with use of the backingmember 30. The retractable base sections 19 and 28 are in the extendedpositions to give the table increased stability. The retractable basesections 29 and 38 are in the original positions, to allow the inventionunit 11 to sit flush against the front edge of the railing 99.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention unit 11 being used in“table mode” against the railing 99, on the surface 97, with use of thebacking member 20. The retractable base sections 19, 29, 28, and 38 areshown in the extended positions to give the table increased stability.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the invention unit 11 being used in theinterior space of the surface 97. The retractable base sections 19, 29,28, and 38 are shown in the extended positions to give the tableincreased stability.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the invention units 11 and 14 beingused modularly in “table mode” on the surface 97, with the backingmembers 20 of each unit against the railing 99. The retractable basesections 29 and 38 of each unit are in the extended positions to givethe tables added stability. The retractable base sections 19 and 28 arein the original positions to allow the invention units 11 and 14 can bepositioned flush up against one another.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the invention units 11 and 14 beingused modularly in “bar mode” against the railing 99, on the surface 97,with the backing members 30. The retractable base sections 28 and 38 arein the extended positions to give the tables added stability. Theretractable base sections 19 and 38 are in the original positions so theinvention units 11 and 14 can sit flush against the railing 99.

Although the description above contains much specificity, it should notbe construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. For example, the synchronization system has beendesigned so that it can serve to deliver both very large content itemsand very small data items of any type to a plurality of users with orwithout continuous Internet access. While a particular implementation ofthe system involves using the synchronization system to transfer videos,messages, work flow diagrams, tests, and performance statistics, thesynchronization system could be used independently with any one or aplurality of those applications or to manage any type of data transferover networks. Furthermore, the invention of the team communicationplatform can be applied to any one or a plurality of numerous teamenvironments where communication and team interaction are important.These environments include, but are not limited to, team sports,healthcare, education, government, and business.

Thus, the scope of the claim should be determined by the appended claimsand their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

1. A table comprising: a table top having a first dimension and a seconddimension, the second dimension being longer than the first dimension;at least four legs extending from the table top to a supporting surface;a backing member extending substantially vertically from the table topalong one of the first dimension or the second dimension; a first crossmember extending between and coupled to two of the legs; a second crossmember extending between and coupled to two of the legs, the secondcross member extending generally parallel to the first cross member; atransverse member extending between and coupled to the first crossmember and the second member; and a primary container extending alongthe transverse member and proximate to the supporting surface, thecontainer comprising a plurality of weighted compartments.
 2. The tableof claim 1, wherein the second dimension is roughly equal in length to awhole number times the length of the first dimension.
 3. The table ofclaim 2, wherein the backing member is segmented into roughly equallength sections, each section being roughly equal in length to the firstdimension and at least one of the sections may be mounted to the tabletop along the first dimension to couple the table to the other structuresuch that the second dimension extends from the support surface.
 4. Thetable of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of weighted compartmentsis configured to hold about ten pounds of a weighting material.
 5. Thetable of claim 4, wherein the weighting material is water.
 6. The tableof claim 4, wherein the weighting material is sand.
 7. The table ofclaim 1, wherein the primary container is of a length of about thelength of the second dimension.
 8. The table of claim 7, wherein theprimary container comprises a pair of openings configured to receive twolegs spaced apart by a distance roughly equal to the first dimension. 9.The table of claim 8, wherein each table leg is adjustable in length.